Sesko’s dream: Man Utd make £76m bid to sign “generational” new forward
Manchester United have certainly had a hectic few days to contend with off the pitch, after it was confirmed Ruben Amorim had been sacked from his managerial post.
The 40-year-old left the role after 14 months at the helm, but he was only able to achieve a 40% win percentage despite leading the club to a Europa League final.
He leaves the club sitting sixth in the Premier League table, with the Red Devils currently sitting just three points off a place within the division’s top four.
However, matters should still be somewhat focused on recruiting new players, with the January transfer window now open and presenting a chance for INEOS to strengthen any Champions League push.
Despite the managerial situation, the hierarchy have already identified numerous options in the market, with work being done to try and improve the first-team squad.
Man Utd make huge bid to land European sensation
The midfield department at United is one that has needed addressing for many months now, with Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba just one option being considered.
Over the last couple of days, the Red Devils have once again registered their interest in the Cameroonian international, but any deal would certainly be expensive for INEOS.
It’s been reported that the Seagulls are demanding a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with the 22-year-old this winter, with the player open to a move to Old Trafford.
However, a new attacker also remains firmly within their sights at present, with RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande another player firmly being pursued by the hierarchy.
According to African Foot via Sport Witness, the Red Devils have made a €90m (£76m) bid to sign the 19-year-old who has scored six times in 14 Bundesliga appearances.
The report also states that the winger is on the radar of numerous other teams in England’s top-flight, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham all tracking the teenage sensation.
Why Diomande would get Sesko firing at Man Utd
Only last summer, United spent big on new attackers to try and inject needed quality into the frontline to help bolster their chances of success in the Premier League.
Benjamin Sesko was just one of the players signed by the club during such a spree, with the hierarchy paying £74m for his signature from German outfit RB Leipzig.
High expectations were placed on the attacker given the nature of the transfer fee, but it’s safe to say his time at Old Trafford has been a disaster to date.
The Slovenian international has featured in 16 league outings so far in 2025/26, but has only registered two goals in the process – currently enduring nine games without a goal.
At just 22, he has bags of time to turn his career around in England’s top flight, but he could certainly benefit from some added creativity around him in the final third.
A move for Diomande could provide just that, with the Ivorian international enduring a phenomenal breakthrough campaign in Germany under the guidance of Ole Werner.
Whilst he’s only laid on two league assists so far in 2025/26, his underlying stats on FBref showcase the incredible talents he possesses with the ball at his feet within attacking areas.
Diomande, who’s been hailed as a “generational talent” by journalist Bence Bocsák, has completed 6.3 progressive carries and 4.3 successful take-ons in the Bundesliga this season.
Such numbers showcase his ability to get the ball into dangerous areas, with no player in the division able to register higher tallies in the aforementioned departments.
Subscribe for deeper Manchester United transfer analysis Want a closer look? Subscribe to the newsletter to unlock in-depth breakdowns of Manchester United’s transfer strategy, detailed stats on Yan Diomande, and exactly how a signing could reshape the club’s attack.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The teenager has also registered 1.4 key passes and 1.4 passes into the opposition box per 90, subsequently showing the end product needed within the final third.
Yan Diomande – Bundesliga stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
14
Goals & assists
8
Pass accuracy
82%
Progressive carries
6.3
Successful take-ons
4.3
Key passes
1.4
Passes into 18-yard box
1.4
Carries into final third
3.9
Carries into the 18-yard box
3.4
Stats via FBref
His mazy runs, combined with his consistent end product, could hand Sesko the tools he needs to finally hit the ground running after his tricky start to life in Manchester.
As for Diomande, his talents are further reflected with his impressive tally of 3.4 carries into the final third per 90 – also the highest in the league – reaffirming his creative ability with the ball.
£76m would be yet another mammoth statement of intent from the hierarchy, but it’s a deal that would certainly inject the further added quality they have been hunting for.
Whilst the manager situation no doubt remains a priority, whoever takes the reins in the near future would have a serious talent on their hands should a deal be completed for the Leipzig sensation.
Better than Glasner: Man Utd enter talks to hire one of the 'world's best'
Manchester United appear to be making progress over a move to appoint a new manager.
3 ByEthan Lamb